Monday, September 29, 2014

This baby here was one of those masterpieces one finds every once in a while in used book stores. :) I've always been a fan of Amanda Quick (strangely enough, I've never cared much for Jayne Ann Krentz. Crazy, I know, seeing as they are one and the same. XD. Anyways...). It hooked from the very first page, something that doesn't happen so often, and managed to amuse and entertain me for hours on end! I admit, and if you've read more than a couple of books by this author you would know what I mean, that there were some clichés/some sort of formula very common in her stories:

A wallflower/serious studying type of woman+ a DANGEROUS/adventurous sort of man, or vice versa.

But the thing is: it WORKED quite well this time! I don't know if Amanda/Jayne was especially inspired while writing it, or if maybe I was the one in a good mood (I've noticed that a reader's mood does reflect on a book's quality/final rating sometimes. :P), whatever it was, it was my favorite among all the other historicals she wrote (and I've read almost all of them).
The Fallen Angel, Lord Angelstone, was such a complex, intriguing, delicious character! I was already half in love with the guy after only a handful of chapters!! And Prue!!! It's been SO LONG since I've felt a real connection with a heroine! She was actually LIKEABLE! It probably did help, I'm afraid, that she had a terrible sense of style, was way too intelligent for her own good and had a taste for "spectral phenomena", all reasons for her being labeled as an "Original" by the ton. I really adored her!! And the two of them together were perfection!!
It's couples like these, that complement each other, having snarky and smart conversations, as well as smoldering intimate scenes (all pretty tame and romantic, but INTENSE!!) that give me some hope (or at least some desire) for a serious relationship of my own. Not that you would care. :P LOL.

Point is: I LOVED the romance in this one!!! I could actually SEE/FEEL the characters falling for each other. So adorable, funny, amusing and touching. A masterpiece!! Please, if you're in the mood for a GREAT book, give this one a try.

Monday, September 22, 2014

We are pleased to share with you the cover for Killer Queen, the companion novel to Painted Faces by L.H. Cosway (WHICH I ADORED!!!), scheduled for release on October 20th. Isn't it gorgeous?!

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome…

Come inside The Glamour Patch club to see the star of our show, Miss Vivica Blue.

Do you want to read my diary you nosy little devils? Have a glass of champagne (you’ll need it) and get comfortable because you’re in for some crazy shenanigans brought to you straight from the horse’s mouth.

I can be whatever you want me to be: boy, girl, a little bit of both.

If you have a problem with a man in a dress then best be off with you. If males in make-up give you the willies, then I’ll say au revoir and don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

So, who are we left with? Ah, a fine collection of curious souls. I want to tell you a tale of love, because those are the most glorious kind. I want to tell you about real love, a love that transcends labels and gender stereotypes.

The moment I first laid eyes on my Freda I knew that we were kindred. Well okay, I also knew I wanted to get into her pants, but that’s beside the point. My world was a grey place. I was at my lowest ebb. Then she came along and patches of colour began to spring forth. One day the daffodils were yellow and before I knew it, colour was everywhere, lighting up my life.

Love is not about how we appear on the outside, it’s about the soul contained within.

Our story was not a conventional one, but it was ours, and that’s what made it shine.

Killer Queen is a companion novel to L.H. Cosway’s contemporary romance, Painted Faces. It contains scenes that take place before, during and after the original story. It can also be read as a standalone.

I was immediately happy to be left alone with my most recent object of attraction, and tried to think of a way to endear myself to her. She seemed a little defensive, and I didn’t like it. She was focused intently on stirring a pot of simmering bolognaise, not paying me any notice. Deciding to take the bull by the horns, I walked across the room and stepped up right behind her, taking her by the hips and affectionately resting my head on her shoulder.

Sometimes, forcing physical closeness with women worked for me. Not that kind, I’m not completely depraved. Often though, women liked it when I took them into my arms for a hug or pulled them onto my lap to sit. Unfortunately, Fred’s entire body went ramrod straight the moment I touched her. I instantly regretted the move, but at the same time I didn’t. Her supple hips felt good beneath my palms.

“Smells delicious, Fred,” I told her, brazenly giving her a squeeze. It was ridiculously inappropriate, but I wanted a reaction out of her. Needed one. Still, she barely moved and instead gave me a one word reply, “Yep.”

I leaned closer, allowing my breath to whisper across the back of her neck. She shivered and I think I saw her breath hitch, which made me grow a little hard. “The wine cost twenty Euros, and I got it from the off-licence down the road.”

“Oh, very la di da, Viv. You must be a big spender.”

I grinned, liking how she was subtly taunting me by continuing to call me by a woman’s name. “You like calling me Viv, do you?”

“What can I say, feminine blokes really do it for me.”

Enjoying this interaction, I decided to up the ante a level…or twenty. I spoke low and quick into her ear. “I can do that, if it's what you're into. In fact, I can be whatever you want me to be. I don't think it is, though. I think you're the kind of woman who likes a man to take the lead.” Then I pulled her hips back into mine. The feel of her soft arse flush against my cock did wonderful things. Wonderful things. I was having visions of throwing her over my shoulder and carrying her into my apartment so that I could have my wicked way with her. Unfortunately, my forwardness was not taken in the manner I had intended. Pulling swiftly out of my hold, she lifted up her stirring spoon and pointed it at me, as though it were a weapon that would keep me at arm’s length.

“Okay. Listen here, back the hell up or I'll knee you in the balls.”

L.H. Cosway has a BA in English Literature and Greek and Roman Civilisation, and an MA in Postcolonial Literature. She lives in Dublin city. Her inspiration to write comes from music. Her favourite things in life include writing stories, vintage clothing, dark cabaret music, food, musical comedy, and of course, books.

Christine, a troubled teen with a dark past, is miserable in her small town. Shadowed in shame, she feels destined to live her lonely life as an outcast. She has no idea that her true destiny lies in a different town, in a different world; a most brutal world called Atriia. There she learns the true meaning of misery, the true meaning of loneliness, the true meaning of shame. But she also learns that her bravery is boundless as she battles against a formidable foe, a dark shadow that tries to smother the land. And in the arms of a most unlikely candidate, she also learns the true meaning of love. He is Hannen Fallier, the one they call the foul fraigen dropper, revered by men for his fearless feats, but looked upon by women with open disdain. With a face horribly mauled, he hides behind a mask of shame, deeming himself unworthy of love. That he would seek acceptance from Christine is irony in its purest form. That he would seek her love . . . the ultimate betrayal.

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My Review:

I really enjoyed this book! I won it from my first Goodreads giveaway! *-*

I must admit I first judged it by its cover. I thought it might not be so well-written, but I was very mistaken. It was fantastic. I loved the story and the characters.

I really enjoyed seeing how the main character, Christine, grew up! She suddenly finds herself alone in this strange, unknown place called Atriia, where everything is different from Earth. She deals with rude, aggresive, male-chauvinists and strange social costumes, not to mention the weird food and language, but manages to adapt quickly, and very well. I'm not sure I would've been as strong as she was.

Hannen found his way into my heart from the very start. (and when you read it, you'll see exactly what I mean with 'from the very start'). Such a complicated, strong, sweet character. Very well thought of and developed.

I was a bit confused at first with the new 'language' the author introduces to us, but eventually I got the hang of it. (It was only afterwards that I noticed there was a glossary at the end of the book. Silly, slow little me. >.<)

It was a dark, dramatic and sad book, but also very touching. Needless to say, I cried. Hard.

Of course, I wish I could have changed the ending and maybe have seen a bit more of a couple of characters, but it was still great. The book is a bit long, but it's not tiring at all! This one is a keeper. :)

I'm SO glad I had the chance to review it, otherwise I might have never heard of it. Thank you, Fawn Bonning!!!

Now, you! Go ahead and get it, you'll love it too. It's an excellent pick for romance and fantasy lovers.

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Synopsis: A runaway countess finds love when she least expects it…but she can’t hide from her past forever.

Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp, fears for her life. When she discovers her dissolute and long-estranged husband has syphilis—and he wants to beget an heir no matter the cost—she flees to a remote part of Scotland to begin a new life as the widowed governess, Mrs. Beth Eliott at Eilean Tor Castle.

When Mrs. Eliott unexpectedly arrives on his doorstep, the reclusive and recently widowed Marquess of Rothsburgh is both irritated and intrigued. No longer in need of a governess—his young daughter now resides with his sister’s family in Edinburgh—he proposes the beautiful widow fill a position of a different kind…

Torn between staying true to her marriage vows and her wanton attraction to the devilishly handsome marquess, Elizabeth struggles against the temptation to become his mistress. But living a lie is not easy when you have fallen in love. And secrets always have a way of coming out…

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My Review

*I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review*

I first saw this title on a Book Tour, and the minute I read the blurb and excerpt, I just knew I had to read it. I have never seen a historical romance even mention the great pox, or syphilis, before, let alone use it as such a big and important part of the plot. And that is how we first meet our heroine, Elizabeth, Lady Beauchamp. Freaking out about her (drunk) husband's (unexpected) visit to her bedchamber, after a loooong dry spell. We quickly learn that the handsome blonde Hugh doesn't care much for his wife, only mistresses and whores, and it was a letter from one of those that let Elizabeth know for sure what the new "marks" on her husband were. Syphilis. Something he clearly wasn't concerned about, seeing as he, all of a sudden, wanted to try and beget an heir in her. So she did what she could. She ran!!! All the way to Scotland. ;)

There, disguised as Mrs. Beth Eliott, she starts to work for the reclusive Marquess of Rothsburgh, a dark and sensual man. Soon enough (really, instant attraction) the sparks start to fly. I enjoyed their chemistry a lot. The scenes were hot, but not at all vulgar. Rothsburg was such a touching and unique character! Betrayed and brokenhearted by his terrible witch (no offense to actuall witches) of a first wife, he was left to raise a child from another man, being known as a cuckold and a joke amongst the ton.

So, that's the thing. The book started with a bang, the secondary characters were all charming, the dialogues were smart and daring, but at some point I stopped caring about Beth a little. I'm not sure why, she just seemed to have lost her... energy, or courage. I couldn't understand or agree with some of her actions.

I LOVED the dogs from the castle!!! They were Rothsburgh's only companions. Delightful creatures, very well-portrayed. I was sincerely curious to see how the author would manage their happy ending, seeing as she was still MARRIED to her awful husband... but then we find out some very important things... and it all starts to fall into place.

Lady Beauchamp's Proposal was a lovely read, full of surprises and interesting themes we don't see much in ordinary romances. That alone is a good enough excuse for you to check it out. :) The romance was really there. I could almost feel their love for each other. Sure, we knew they would fall madly in love with each other, but it wasn't instant. The lust was instant, but the love grew. (Yes, this sounds a but yucky, but I can't help feeling sentimental once in a while).

Monday, September 08, 2014

I'm not really a big "angels in books" fan, but damn! That Raffe really was something!

The minute I started reading, I felt myself connecting to Penryn and her sister. I also instantly disliked her mom, despite her condition not being her fault and all that. Anyway, it's sort of bittersweet, much like what Penryn feels for her.

Now, let's talk about that name. THAT WAS A PAIN IN MY TONGUE. Penryn. If I didn't already know for sure her mom was batshit crazy... I have no idea how to pronounce that. I kept trying to read it in my inside voice, but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right...

Anyway... LOVE that Raffe, an ANGEL, was agnostic! I was afraid that a book with angels would be too religious and preachy and stuff, but nope. That was refreshing. ;) It also didn't hurt that he was hot. And had a mysterious sword.

Looking foward to the next book! UPDATE: The second book was even BETTER!!!! I need the third one NOW!!

Thursday, September 04, 2014

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

Publication Date: Jan 11th 2011

Publisher:Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, 398 pages

Series: yes

Source: my own copy

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My Review

I feel to need to start this review by stating that I am NOT a very big fan of Sci-Fi, and so it took me a while to pick this particular book up. And I only did so because of the slight dystopian flavor to it.

Sure, most of the Sci-Fi aspects of it (the descriptions of the ship and its engines, the technicalities and the physics of the thing) were, well... skimmed over quite quickly, I'll admit it. LOL. I also skimmed over the parts in which Amy was asleep and kept dreaming of the past. All those things were not of my interest at all. I only cared for what happened IN the ship. And THAT was pure awesomeness.

The mysteries, the weirdness, the beliefs of the people aborad the ship Godspeed were fascinating to me. I I read the whole thing in one afternoon. And the hardcover edition is anything but light. XD

The romance was there, sure, but it wasn't the center of attention. And that was just fine. The most important thing in Across the Universe is not Amy and Elder getting together, but what they DISCOVER and decide to CHANGE together. That is what it's all about.

I could not believe some of the things Eldest dared to do, and hid from everyone. Most of them, sure, I saw coming from a mile away (the 'Season' and 'Phydus'), but others (the false stars, the uranium)... wow. I could not have predicted those. And I so love being surprised. *-*

All in all, I am so glad to have given this baby a shot. Oh, and make sure to check my review of Glow, to be posted next week. I started it the minute I closed Across the Universe, and though they may be somewhat similar, they are, in fact, VERY DIFFERENT. And Glow was just as awesome, I assure you! But in a creepier way. ;P

I'm not usually a big fan of mystery, but "Anonymously Yours" got my eye.

Denise was such a corageous heroine! I could really relate to her, understand her thoughts and actions (it was written in first person), even if I'd never have the guts to do some of the stuff she did.

So... you find a wallet and you return it, right? Easy peasy... not so much. At least not when a freaking body is involved (then missing), and suddenly there is someone following her, the police don't believe her... what the heck is going on? Read the book and find out!

1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International).

Ends 9/30/14

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Synopsis: In a post-nuclear future, the lush pleasure cyborgs of Earth have become powerful, fearsome mutants known as Wroks who rule the wild, desolate Fallout landscape. The Wroks and their leader, Yoevin, desperately hunt for a female capable of mothering a cyborg's child. As the years pass, they struggle while fighting to hold on to the intelligence and humanity granted by their makers centuries ago.

Hidden deep in caverns below, Imogenne and her people survive by cultivating the earth, making rare forays above ground for supplies and fresh resources. But Imogenne is not like the rest of her people. She is wild, sensual, and strangely independent -- like her mother, who disappeared years ago in a Wrok attack. On the verge of being betrothed to a man she does not love and facing the rest of her life underground without adventure or freedom, she is haunted by darkly erotic visions that promise something more beyond the world -- and biology -- she knows.

When she is captured in a night Wrok raid, Imogenne hopes to escape her new masters and survive by her wits. But she then discovers a horrifying truth: Her body has a will of its own, one that may very well leave her no choice but to become a mother of the New World.

___________

Words: ~19,000. This title contains graphic sexual scenes: m/f, captive sexual submission, voyeurism, mutant cyborg and human intercourse. Do not read this work if you find such themes offensive.

Review

So... just by looking at the cover you can tell this is not going to be your ordinary book. And, well, it suits different tastes. I, myself, have been known to enjoy all kinds of sickpervertedweird unusual genres/characters/plots/body parts. Which is why I decided to give 'Womb of the New World' (love the title!) a try. :) At first I thought they were demons or something, but they're actually cyborgs.

I won't get very deep into the story of the Wroks, and the post-nuclear world setting much, because it's well enpugh hinted at in the synopsis. What I can say is: this is the kind of crazy science fiction I find most interesting: when machines and humans get too close. How can something inorganic want to be, and feel, human?

I really, really enjoyed this quick, hot read! Imogenne was a different kind of heroine (not just physiologically. LOL). She was strong, clever and confident in her sexuality.That alone is a refreshing view, when compared to the thousands of virgins in romance these days... *rolls eyes*. The scenes of her with Rolley, the guy she "had some fun with" first, were pretty hot. But the things that happened after, with Yoevin... oh, boy.

My only problem with it was that it was too short, and the explanations were kind of vague, but I liked how it ended, even if it was a bit predictable.

The writing was very good, very fluid, with two different POV's. I would definitely read more from this author. Hopefully it'll become a series? :)

Warning: if you're not very open-minded, you should know there are some seriously hot scenes involving forked tongues and extra appendages... (fun! LOL)

Monday, September 01, 2014

And I never got around to writing a review for Such a Pretty Girl, but it was amazing. Really surprised me. Same goes for Article 5, Wither and Dearly Departed. XD (But there are thousands of great reviews for those in other blogs, just look it up).

I bought this skull (made from beach sand) in Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.

Okay, what else? Oh. Just FYI. I know the Hamlet "To be or not to be?" scene is separated from the one with the skull, but I still like the way it looks and sounds when put together. :P